Left over bits of most Christmas, Birthday, Shower, Wedding, etc. wrapping paper are about the same weight, just cut them into 6" squares and make light strings to go with your party.

You could even make some at the party from the paper after the gifts are unwrapped. or just show people how to make them during the party and after the gifts are unwrapped people can take a bunch of the scrap paper home to make their own.

Seems like there are a number of websites trying to make $$ off of this SIMPLE easy instructable (please note these were not around until after I submitted this back in October 2008). Do NOT be fooled. Viva la open source!

Make them exactly the same as the paper lanterns. When you've blown them open just put water into the hole, although they are made of paper they are still quite sturdy and great fun when you have to entertain kids in the summer time, preferably in the pool, or even the bath will do. My kids used to love them, and so do their kids. Good luck with them. Mary

What are the chances of my paper catching fire if I use a string of regular Christmas lights that aren't LEDs? I have 12x12 scrapbooking paper that I plan to cut into 6x6 sqaures. It's not too thick (like cardstock) but probably slightly thicker than origami paper. I'm pretty sure they would look illuminated. I'm just worried about the fire risk. Should I just scavenge for some LEDs?

What a great idea. I just started working on these for my living room which has the lights up around the ceiling. But, I am making mine out of magazine/catalog pages, cut down to 6 X 6. This way I recycle and beautify!! Thanks so much.

the best size to use is the 6 x 6...the 12 x 12 is fairly large and will probably sag and not stand up properly. you can experiment with the paper though. i usually use the ready made origami paper sold at craft stores, because it's light and somewhat translucent. although, if you want something a bit simpler without patterns for everyday use, a thick translucent vellum will look phenomenal. good luck :)

these lanterns are made in the traditional manner of making origami balloon boxes. i figured that posting the video would be the fastest and easiest way to show how i folded them together....rather than posting a ton of pictures. there are plenty of websites dedicated to paper folding techniques.

About This Instructable

Bio:Vasilena Vassilev is currently an Assistant Professor of Architecture at Syracuse University School of Architecture, where she teaches undergraduate studio and professional elective coursework. Her cu...read more »